In what was a contrived attempt at a truce, Martina Hingis presented Richard Williams with an autographed white T-shirt to kick off Hingis’ post-match news conference yesterday. Then they hugged before the cameras and reporters in the most comical scene at this U.S. Open.

The war of words between Hingis and the Williams’ camp escalated to such a point that someone thought a staged lovefest was needed. The shirt had emblazoned “Dear Richard” with Hingis’ signature. While Richard was embracing Martina, his two daughters were playing a women’s doubles match at Ashe Stadium, which they won in three sets.

“I heard this morning that a certain person is always asking for my autograph over and over at every tournament,” Hingis announced after beating qualifier Sandra Kloesel 6-3, 6-1. “I’d like to give something to that certain person, it’s important to me.”

In bounded a smiling Papa Williams, who on Monday guaranteed an all-Williams final, saying, “To be honest with you, I don’t see how they could be stopped. They’re too fast and strong for the other girls.”

Hingis responded Wednesday, saying the Williams’ family had “big mouths.” Serena Williams’ return came Thursday, questioning Martina’s formal education. To which 18-year-old Hingis responded yesterday, saying, “I chose something else [instead] of going every day into the school. I think I learned enough on traveling. I don’t think I’m that dumb. I’d like to see some other people talking in three languages. I don’t think the money’s too bad, either.”

Hingis said Papa Williams always asks for her autograph during tournaments, extending his arm for Hingis to sign. But she never has. Hingis, who plays 10th-seeded Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in the Round of 16, said her “big-mouth” remarks were not directed at the sisters.

“It was him,” Hingis said. “He always has his comments. But it’s fun. Because I’m better than them so far. I’m the No. 1 and not them.”

Following her doubles match, Venus, whose cold has advanced to an infection requiring antibiotics, said, “My dad is friendly with everyone. He’s the most friendly, outgoing person. He’ll talk for hours and hours, if you have the time.”